Macayo’s Mexican Food, a restaurant chain with a long-standing presence in the Southwest, offers various promotional events, specials, and challenges throughout the year. These promotions are often tied to specific dates, such as the brand's anniversary or National Chimichanga Day, and include opportunities for discounted food, free items, and unique dining experiences. The availability of these offers varies by location and time, with specific rules governing participation, pricing, and redemption.
Anniversary and National Chimichanga Day Celebrations
Macayo’s commemorates its founding and National Chimichanga Day with specific annual events. According to official brand materials, the restaurant celebrates its anniversary on September 26th. During these celebrations, Macayo's typically features specific menu specials and activities.
For the 78th anniversary, celebrated alongside National Chimichanga Day, the brand offered the following at participating valley locations: - BOGO Chimis: Buy one a la carte chimichanga and get one free with the purchase of two beverages. - Sides for $0.78: Add a side of rice, beans, guacamole, or Baja sauce for $0.78 each. - Samples: Sip Dox XX and Don Julio samples. - Entertainment: Face painters, a piñata smash, and Macayo’s giveaways.
For the 79th anniversary, also on September 26th, the promotions included: - $7.90 Corazon Margarita: Served on the rocks or frozen (dine-in only). - Buy One, Get One Free A La Carte Chimis: Shredded beef or shredded chicken with the purchase of two beverages (dine-in only). - $0.79 Sides: Mexican rice or refried beans.
The Five-Pound Chimichanga Challenge
A prominent promotion associated with the brand's anniversary festivities is the Five-Pound Chimichanga Challenge. This eating challenge is designed to test diners' appetites and speed.
Challenge Details and Reward The challenge involves consuming a five-pound chimichanga in less than 20 minutes. Successfully completing the challenge rewards the participant with "free Macayo’s for a year." According to a general manager and assistant manager cited in a news report, the reward structure is broken down into one free meal per month for a total of 12 months. The challenge is not listed on the standard menu and costs $30 to attempt. It is considered a permanent offering at select locations.
The Chimichanga Composition The massive size of the challenge item is derived from its construction. It consists of three 13-inch tortillas (compared to a standard single tortilla). The fillings include 40 ounces of protein—shredded beef, shredded chicken, or carnitas—mixed with Mexican rice and refried beans. The item is deep-fried and topped with red enchilada sauce, Macayo’s Baja sauce, fire-roasted tomatillo sauce, guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, mixed cheese, and Jack cheese.
Participation and Rules - Time Limit: Participants have 20 minutes to finish the chimichanga. - Location: The challenge is available at select Macayo’s locations, specifically noted in the valley area. - Outcome: If the participant eats the entire item, they win the free meals. If they do not finish, they must pay the $30 fee.
Cinco de Mayo and Weekly Specials
While not specifically birthday-related, Macayo’s offers recurring and seasonal specials that provide value to customers. These are distinct from the anniversary promotions but represent consistent opportunities for savings.
Cinco de Mayo Specials On May 5th, Macayo’s has offered the following all-day specials: - Food: An ‘A La Carte Macayo Chimi’ for $10, with an add-on side of guacamole, rice, and beans for $0.78 (available dine-in or takeout). - Drinks: - $3 Dos XX Ambar or Lager (Bottles or Draft). - $4 Fireball Shots. - $7 Dos XX plus a Shot of Fireball or Gran Centenario Plata. - $8 Cinco Margarita with Gran Centenario Plata.
Weekly Recurring Specials Specific locations, such as the Avondale restaurant, publish weekly specials that are consistent across the brand family. These include: - Margarita Mug Monday: $7.90 Margarita Mugs with $0.79 refills (Dine-in only; limit two per guest). - Taco Tuesday: $3 Crispy Tacos (Shredded Beef or Shredded Chicken). Available dine-in or Macayo Takeout, but not through third-party delivery services. - Kids Wednesday: Free Kids Meals for children 12 years and younger with the purchase of an adult entree (Dine-in only; limit one per adult entree). - Triple Point Thursdays: 3x Points for Rita Rewards Members (Dine-in or Macayo Takeout).
Rita Rewards Program
The Rita Rewards program is the loyalty mechanism through which Macayo’s distributes points and potentially other member-exclusive offers. The program is mentioned in the context of weekly specials, specifically "Triple Point Thursdays." While the provided source data does not detail the sign-up process or the specific redemption value of points, it confirms that membership is required to participate in point-earning promotions. The source notes that users can join the program, likely through an app or website registration.
Geographic and Location Specifics
The availability of specific promotions, particularly the Five-Pound Chimichanga Challenge, is limited to select locations. Source data indicates that these challenges are available "at select Macayo’s locations around the valley." The Avondale location is highlighted as a specific site that joined the brand family in January 2024, offering the standard weekly specials and operating hours (Sunday–Thursday 11AM–9PM; Friday & Saturday 11AM–10PM).
Historical Context and Brand Heritage
Macayo’s claims a significant historical role in the creation of the chimichanga. The brand states that the dish was invented by their founder in 1946. To commemorate this, the brand previously attempted a Guinness World Record for the Longest Chimichanga during its 75th anniversary. This event involved a custom 30-foot deep fryer and coordination of over 30 people, highlighting the brand's emphasis on the chimichanga as a central part of its identity.
Conclusion
Macayo’s Mexican Food utilizes a mix of annual celebrations, such as its anniversary and National Chimichanga Day, to drive traffic through specific menu discounts and entertainment. The brand also maintains a permanent, high-stakes promotion in the form of the Five-Pound Chimichanga Challenge, which offers a year of free meals for successful completion. Regular weekly specials, managed through the Rita Rewards program, provide consistent value for dine-in and takeout customers at participating locations. Consumers interested in these offers should verify participation with local restaurants, as availability varies by region.